What makes an award winning image?

This article was written by Steve Rutherford and can be seen in the March 2011 issue of the magazine "Photographer Fanatic". Here are the criterias that he mentioned on what the judges usually looks for in an image.

IMPACT - is the sense one get upon viewing an image for the first time. Compelling images evoke laughter, sadness, anger, pride, wonder or another intense emotion. There can be impact in any of these twelve elements.

STYLE - is defined in a number of ways as it applies to a creative image. It might be defined by a specific genre or simply be recognizable as the characteristics of how a specific artist applies light to a subject. It can impact an image in a positive manner when the subject matter and the style are appropriate for each other, or it can have a negative effect when they are at odds.

COLOUR BALANCE - supplies harmony to an image. An image in which the tones work together, effectively supporting the image, can enhance its emotional appeal. Color balance is not always harmonious and can be used to evoke diverse feelings for effect.

SUBJECT MATTER - should always be appropriate to the story being told in an image.

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE - is the print quality of the image itself as it is presented for viewing. Retouching, manipulation, sharpness, exposure, printing, mounting, and correct color are some items that speak to the qualities of the physical print.

COMPOSITION - is important to the design of an image, bringing all of the visual elements together in concert to express the purpose of the image. Proper composition holds the viewer in the image and prompts the viewer to look where the creator intends. Effective composition can be pleasing or disturbing, depending on the intent of the image maker.

CENTRE OF INTEREST - is the point or points on an image where the maker want the viewer to stop as they view the image. There can be primary and secondary center of interest. Occasionally there will be no specific center of interest, when the entire scene collectively serves as the center of interest.

CREATIVITY - is the original, fresh, and external expression of the imagination of the maker by using medium to convey an idea, message, or thought.

TECHNIQUE - is the approach used to create the image. Printing, lighting, posing, capture, presentation media, and more are part of the technique applied to an image.

PRESENTATION - affects an image by giving it a finished look. The mats and borders used, either physical or digital, should support and enhance the image, not distract from it.

LIGHTING - the use and control of light - refers to how dimension, shape, and roundness are defined in an image.Whether the light applied to an image is manmade or natural, proper use of it should enhance an image.

STORY TELLING - refers to the image's ability to evoke imagination. One beautiful thing about art is that each viewer might collect his own message or read her own story in an image.